​KOROBA-Lake Kupiago MP Philip Undialu has been officially declared the new Governor of Hela.

Inter-Government Relations Minister Sir Leo Dion made the announcement last Friday "after much debate and serious consideration" and also ending Komo-Margarima MP Francis Potape’s claim to the post.

Mr Potape however, told a media conference he will challenge the announcement in court. (see story, page 2).

Sir Leo expressed satisfaction at the decisions made by the Hela provincial assembly on July 5 to elect Mr Undiali were in compliance with the Organic Law on provincial and local level governments.

He said in a statement he was also satisfied that the provincial assembly had complied with the provincial government standing laws and its standing orders.

Sir Leo confirmed that the Hela provincial assembly has 12 legitimate members and according to the Provincial Government Administration Act, the quorum is half the total membership of the provincial assembly.

Seven members participated in the election of the governor, which is more than the required quorum under the law.

Sir Leo announced "with satisfaction" that Mr Undiali was elected unopposed by requisite, as the duly-elected Governor of Hela Province.

He said after considering all legal clarifications from the State Solicitor as well as the department’s legal team, the election of Undialu puts to rest the legitimacy of any other meetings, and that any errors and or omission can only be rectified in the Hela provincial assembly, under the chairmanship of the new governor.

"The MP for Koroba-Lake Kopiago is now recognised by the department as the duly-elected Governor of Hela Province."

Sir Leo said that the province plays an important role in the country because of the PNG LNG Project and other notable key responsibilities such as the negotiation of the 4.2 per cent equity for the PNG LNG Project with National Government and the Hela Southern Highland split of the Kokopo UBSA Benefits Split Negotiations.

The implementation of the provincial budgets will only eventuate by a stable provincial government, he said, adding that these were notable key activities that needed to be prioritised by the provincial government that was prudent and guided by a governor.

He welcomed the new governor on behalf of the O’Neill Government and encouraged all Hela MPs to co-operate and work together with him for the remaining months before the next general election.

The province had been in suspense since July 5 when two governors were elected – Mr Undiali in the morning and Komo-Margarima MP Francis Potape in the afternoon by different factions of the provincial assembly.

The controversy and confusion remained until Sir Leo’s official recognition of Mr Undiali’s election last Friday. Post COurer/PNGfacts